Exploring Ways to Wellness

Sarah Gorev

Exploring Ways to Wellness delivers alternative healing and natural wellness solutions through authentic conversations and real experiences. Perfect for curious souls seeking complementary therapies and mindful living beyond mainstream wellness advice. Host Sarah Gorev brings you refreshingly honest chats with practitioners and real people about holistic health approaches that actually work (even for the busiest of lives). From mindfulness to EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), cold water swimming to sound therapy, she's lifting the veil on evidence-based alternative approaches that can be easily incorporated and even enhance your packed schedule. Each episode demystifies holistic practices through genuine, no-pressure conversations about what works (and maybe what doesn't). Ideal for people who are intrigued by alternative wellness and natural healing but want real experiences, not just theory. Instead of 'powering through' and reaching exhaustion and burn-out, Sarah explores how these accessible practices can help you reclaim your energy, process past experiences, and find balance - without requiring endless time or resources. If you're open-minded about exploring holistic wellness solutions but fancy hearing real experiences before diving in, this is your weekly companion for discovering different paths to feeling good again. Join Sarah for down-to-earth conversations about alternative wellness approaches that can transform your daily life - no crystals required (unless you want them!).

  1. Exploring Tai Chi with Cathy

    DEC 16

    Exploring Tai Chi with Cathy

    When you picture Tai Chi, you probably imagine elderly people in a park moving slowly through graceful forms. But what if I told you it's actually a martial art taught to the Chinese military centuries ago?   In this fascinating conversation, host Sarah Gorev chats with Cathy, who started practising Tai Chi at just 14 years old - making her the youngest person in pretty much every class she's attended. What I love about Cathy is how she combines the scientific with the spiritual, weaving together movement, energy, recovery, and finding peace in the chaos.   Cathy shares her remarkable journey from Chinese martial arts at age nine to training intensively in the mountains of China for five to six hours daily. But this conversation goes deeper than technique - it explores what Tai Chi and Qigong actually do for your body and mind.   You'll discover:  • Why Tai Chi works as meditation for people who don't get on well with meditation  • What chi (energy) actually is - and why it's more tangible than you think  • How slow movement builds tendons and ligaments, not just muscles  • Why Tai Chi improves recovery time for athletes  • The difference between Tai Chi and Qigong (and when to use each)  • How training in China transformed Cathy's practice  • The motorbike crash that led to discovering acupuncture  • Why acupuncture brought feeling back after six years of numbness  • How one client went from walking 10 minutes to two hours without pain  • Why Cathy's classes are the only peace many students get all week   This conversation explores how ancient practices are being validated by modern research - from Korean scientists mapping meridian lines to clinical studies showing remarkable results. Cathy explains how these practices work preventatively rather than waiting until our bodies crumble.   Perfect for anyone curious about Tai Chi but thinking it's "just for elderly people," people who struggle with traditional seated meditation, athletes looking to improve recovery time, those dealing with chronic pain or mobility challenges, and anyone seeking one peaceful hour a week away from chaos.    Timestamps:  [00:02:19] How Cathy discovered Tai Chi at 14  [00:04:00] What Tai Chi actually is (it's a martial art!)  [00:09:07] Choosing between Tai Chi and Qigong  [00:15:58] Training in China (5-6 hours daily!)  [00:19:00] What chi/qi actually is  [00:24:11] The motorbike crash and acupuncture miracle  [00:28:00] Client success  [00:32:18] Finding peace in chaos    Connect with Cathy: FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/176TCzEqYE/ Insta: nixonShiatsu  Web: acupuncturezenshiatsu.co.uk Shop for digital acupressure guides: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AcupressureForYou?ref=shop_profile&listing_id=1565153711 FHT: https://www.fht.org.uk/users/swallow204751 Tai chi membership listing: https://taichi18.com/instructors/catherinenixon/ YouTube: @NixonQigongTaiChi As Sarah reflects: "In a world that demands speed, the most powerful movement is the one done slowly with intention." Whether you're dealing with pain, stress, or simply seeking calm, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on ancient practices that are anything but outdated.  Thanks for listening.

    36 min
  2. Exploring Crystals with Jo

    DEC 9

    Exploring Crystals with Jo

    Have you ever felt inexplicably drawn to pick up a particular stone or crystal? Wondered why certain ones seem to call to you while others don't?   In this rich conversation, host Sarah Gorev chats with Joanne Gillibrand from Tree of Life Holistics in Rugby - and Jo brings 26 years of crystal therapy experience to share. Her journey from Catholic upbringing (singing Latin hymns and drawn to ritual) to leading transformative women's circles is as unexpected as it is inspiring.   What makes this episode special is how Jo combines the scientific with the spiritual. She explains vibrational frequencies in a way that actually make sense, then moves seamlessly into talking about leading circles where 40 women roar and sing. It's the perfect balance.   You'll discover: What crystals actually are and the measurable frequencies in themWhy we're "chaos in human form" while crystals remain stable - and what that means for healingThe seven main chakras and which crystals correspond to each energy centreHow Jo's work evolved from personal curiosity to running Red Tent gatherings and drum circlesThe concept that stones can hold memory Practical guidance on choosing your first crystal How to spot fake crystals online and what quality indicators to look forThe dark side of the crystal industry and why ethical sourcing mattersWhy Jo's crystal shop consultations last an hour - because it's never just about selling stones  Jo also shares her women's empowerment work - creating sacred space where even the most reserved participants in drum circles can't help but join in. She talks about Red Tent gatherings, the power of collective practice, and why buying crystals from her involves a deep dive into what you actually need, not just what looks pretty.   This conversation explores the mystical (stone memory, energy work, sacred circles) and the practical (spotting fakes, ethical concerns, quality checks) with equal depth and authenticity. Jo's honesty about the crystal industry - including the rife problem of fake crystals - is refreshing and important.   Whether you're crystal-curious, have been collecting for years, interested in women's empowerment circles, or simply want to hear from someone with genuine depth of knowledge, this episode offers something valuable. Jo holds nothing back.   It's grounded, honest, occasionally spiritual, and proves that 26 years of experience shows.   Perfect for: Crystal enthusiasts seeking deeper understanding, women interested in empowerment circles and Red Tent work, anyone exploring energy healing and chakra systems, people concerned about ethical crystal sourcing, beginners wanting to know how to choose quality crystals, spiritual seekers who appreciate both science and mysticism, or anyone drawn to holistic practitioners with real expertise.  Links mentioned in this episode: Website: https://www.treeoflifeholisticsrugby.co.uk/ Offerings: Crystal shop, therapy, sound healing, women's circles, Red Tent, drum circles, gift vouchers, Christmas boxes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Treeoflifeholisticsrugby Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treeoflifeholisticsrugby Judy Hall books: https://www.waterstones.com/author/judy-hall/347435 Thanks for listening.

    57 min
  3. Exploring Oracle Cards with Katya

    DEC 2

    Exploring Oracle Cards with Katya

    What if a deck of cards could help you process trauma, rediscover yourself, and find clarity in the most chaotic moments of your life?   In this deeply moving conversation, host Sarah chats with Katya McEwen from My Divine Downloads about oracle cards - but this isn't your typical "how to read cards" episode. This is raw, honest, and profoundly human.   Katya's journey with oracle cards begins with a shocking incident when she was 19 that made her abandon cards entirely for 25 years. Fast forward to 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine - Katya, who is from Ukraine with family still there, found herself frozen in fear. None of her professional tools worked - not her mindset coaching certification, not her hypnosis training. That's when she turned back to oracle cards, and eventually created five decks in one month using AI imagery to process shadows she couldn't reach any other way.   This conversation goes deep into unexpected territory. You'll discover:  • What oracle cards actually are and how they differ from tarot  • Why Katya sees them as self-reflection tools rather than divination  • The four questions to ask when pulling a card   • How to use cards without relying on guidebooks   • The powerful concept of "the card as mirror"   • Surprising connections between oracle cards, hypnosis, and visual anchors  • How creating your own oracle deck can be transformational  • Why "asking for a sign is already a sign"   Katya does a live card pull for what listeners need to hear right now, shares her journey from identity crisis to self-discovery through shadow work, and explains her philosophy that oracle cards don't tell you what to do - they reflect what's already inside you.   We also explore claircognizance (the gift of just knowing), how Katya combines oracle cards with AI imagery and hypnosis work, the importance of visual anchors, and her practice of asking "how do you want to feel today?" as a daily anchor.   This episode is for anyone who's ever felt drawn to oracle cards but wasn't sure where to start, anyone processing grief or trauma, creative souls looking for new tools, or simply curious about how self-reflection practices can support healing and transformation.   It's vulnerable, practical, and deeply inspiring. Katya's courage in sharing her story about war, identity crisis, and devastating loss while still showing up to help others is extraordinary.   Perfect for: Anyone interested in oracle cards, tarot, self-reflection tools, processing trauma or grief, creative healing practices, hypnosis, AI and creativity, shadow work, intuitive development, or simply hearing honest conversations about transformation.   Katya has a workshop on December 11th: Planning 2026 Using Oracle Cards: https://www.skool.com/oraclecardsclub/about Her Oracle Cards Magic membership opens a few times a year (waitlist available): https://surrealartimages.com/oracle-cards-magic-stand-alone-sales-page Free guide: 200 Ways to Use Oracle Cards in Your Business: https://katya-mcewen.kit.com/012777e58b   Thanks for listening.

    48 min
  4. Exploring Infrared Technology with Seth Casden

    NOV 25

    Exploring Infrared Technology with Seth Casden

    What if the clothes you wear and the sheets you sleep on could actively support your body's natural healing processes?   In this fascinating conversation, host Sarah chats with Seth Casden from Celliant about infrared technology embedded into everyday textiles - and no, this isn't science fiction. It's science fact.   Seth shares his journey from being an amateur athlete dealing with a stubborn shoulder injury to discovering infrared saunas and eventually meeting someone developing a way to harness infrared light through fabric. That was 25 years ago, and the technology has evolved to the point where you literally can't tell the difference between a Celliant garment and a regular one - except your body can.    You'll discover:  • What infrared light actually is   • Why you can't see it but your body responds to it  • How minerals embedded in fabric absorb your body's heat and convert it back to beneficial infrared light  • Why improved circulation affects everything from sports performance to sleep quality  • The surprising connection between grip strength and longevity  • How this technology went from sports performance to bedding to potentially car seats and aeroplanes!  • Why Seth's socks became a talking point at trade shows (hint: dry feet, no odour, better circulation!)   This conversation explores the science of blood flow and circulation, how infrared wavelengths interact with our bodies at a cellular level, and why something invisible can have such tangible effects. Seth also discusses the clinical trials and research behind Celliant, including their classification as a Class 1 medical device in the EU and UK.   What makes this episode special is how accessible Seth makes complex science. He uses relatable examples to explain how infrared fits into the spectrum of things we can't see but know are there.   Whether you're an athlete looking for performance gains, someone dealing with poor circulation, struggling with sleep quality, or simply curious about wellness technology that doesn't require changing your routine, this conversation offers genuinely useful insights.   It's practical, science-backed, and surprisingly straightforward. No hype, no unrealistic claims - just clear explanation of how harnessing your body's natural heat and converting it to infrared light can support circulation, thermoregulation, recovery, and sleep. Links mentioned in the show: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethcasden/ CELLIANT: https://shopcelliant.com/   Perfect for: Anyone interested in sports performance and recovery, sleep quality, circulation issues, wellness technology, biohacking, evidence-based complementary therapies, or simply curious about innovations in textiles and health.  Thanks for listening.

    32 min
  5. Exploring a Performer's Perspective with Mat

    NOV 18

    Exploring a Performer's Perspective with Mat

    What does performing do for wellbeing of the person on stage?   In this moving conversation, host Sarah Gorev chats with Mat Ricardo - a cabaret and variety performer who's been entertaining audiences for nearly 40 years - about something most of us never consider: how being on stage actually supports his wellbeing.    Mat shares his remarkable journey from being a shy, stuttering kid locked away in his bedroom to becoming a confident performer. But here's the twist - he didn't just learn to perform. He deliberately constructed a version of himself that helped him exist in the world!    You'll discover:  • Why the stage became Mat's unexpected safe space - the place where he feels most in control  • How creating one version of yourself can transform all the other parts  • What happened when Mat received his autism diagnosis three years ago  • The concept of "masking" and why unmasking is such profound work  • His beautiful pre-show ritual  • Why distraction isn't shallow - it's actually a collective mindful moment  • The "fantastic weirdos" backstage who became his chosen family   Mat also talks about his brilliant new book "The Magic in You" - what his publisher called a "stealth help book." Disguised as a guide to circus tricks, magic, and comedy, it's actually teaching kids about dealing with failure, handling bullying, building friendships, and understanding mental health. (And yes, it includes how to pick locks!)   This conversation explores creativity, identity, neurodiversity, and finding wellness in surprising places. Mat's honesty about the autism diagnosis being the beginning of a journey (not the end) and the work of figuring out which parts of yourself are there to make others comfortable will resonate far beyond the neurodivergent community.   Whether you're interested in the creative process, curious about how we construct the versions of ourselves we need to be, or simply want to hear a genuinely different perspective on wellness, this episode offers something special.   It's warm, honest, occasionally funny, and proves that safe spaces show up in the most unexpected places.   Perfect for: Anyone interested in creativity and wellbeing, neuro-diversity, autism, performing arts, personal transformation, or simply hearing real conversations about finding your own path to wellness.   Mat's book "The Magic in You" is available now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magic-You-Mat-Ricardo/dp/0571383963  Find Mat on social media and YouTube for tour dates and his beautiful short films. Website: https://www.matricardo.com/ Substack (new things every month): https://matricardo.substack.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MatRicardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matricardo Linktree: https://linktr.ee/matricardo Thanks for listening.

    39 min
  6. Exploring Huna with Dr Jane

    NOV 11

    Exploring Huna with Dr Jane

    Have you ever thought you'd dealt with something from your past, only to discover there were deeper layers you hadn't touched? What if the wounds you think you've healed are still affecting you energetically?   In this fascinating conversation, host Sarah Gorev speaks with Dr Jane Lewis about Huna - an ancient Hawaiian practice that nearly disappeared from history but holds profound wisdom about healing, forgiveness, and energy work.   Jane shares her compelling personal journey from clinical depression and corporate life to discovering a practice that revealed what she thought she'd processed... hadn't been dealt with at all. Not on the deepest level.    You'll discover:  • What Huna actually is (hint: it's so much more than one practice)  • Why these spiritual practices were banned and illegal until the 1970s  • How childhood trauma can be "dealt with" mentally but still hold you back energetically  • Why Jane travels to Hawaii twice a year to continue learning this work  • An introduction to ho'oponopono - Hawaiian forgiveness    Jane explains how Huna encompasses energy healing, guided meditation for emotional release, and techniques for resolving both external conflicts and internal dilemmas. She shares extraordinary stories - from faith healing a compound fracture in days to discovering prenatal addiction through craniosacral therapy - that challenge our logical understanding of what's possible.    This episode is perfect for anyone who:  • Feels like they've "done the work" but something still isn't shifting  • Is curious about energy work beyond the mainstream  • Wants to understand how ancient practices are being validated by modern science  • Is open to exploring forgiveness in a completely different way    What makes this conversation special is Jane's background - she's a self-described "left brain person" who initially resisted everything energetic, even while experiencing it firsthand. Her journey from corporate consultant saying "I don't believe in energy" to teaching Hawaiian spiritual practices offers a relatable bridge for the curious skeptic.   Whether you're already exploring alternative wellness or completely new to these concepts, this honest discussion offers genuine insights into a practice that has quietly supported wellbeing for centuries - and is now being shared more widely after nearly being lost forever.   Perfect for: Anyone interested in energy healing, ancient wisdom, Hawaiian spiritual practices, forgiveness work, trauma release, complementary therapies, or wondering why past experiences still affect them. Links mentioned in this episode: https://DrJaneLewis.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/janeplewis https://www.facebook.com/groups/SecretArtOfHuna LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeplewis/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Secretartofhuna  Next week: More fascinating wellness conversations as Season 3 continues. Thanks for listening.

    40 min
  7. Walking the Walk -  Why This Podcast Is Personal

    NOV 4

    Walking the Walk - Why This Podcast Is Personal

    In this honest Season 3 opener, host Sarah Gorev shares what she's been hesitant to reveal: her personal mental health journey and why this isn't just another wellness podcast.   Discover why Sarah isn't randomly collecting interesting stories – she's personally experienced techniques from many of the practitioners featured on this show. From EFT training and certification to reiki sessions, meditation practices, and hypnobirthing, Sarah has walked the walk.    In this episode, you'll hear:  • Sarah's mental health struggles and the discovery that changed everything  • Why she trained and became certified in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)  • Insights from the Complementary Medical Association Global Summit 2025  • The fascinating concept of lifespan vs healthspan  • A powerful personal story about hypnobirthing that challenges mainstream assumptions  • The reality of having wellness tools but sometimes choosing not to use them  • A preview of Season 3     If you've ever wondered whether complementary wellness practices actually work, or if they're just for people with endless time and resources, this episode is for you. Sarah proves that evidence-based alternative approaches can transform your daily life – even with the busiest schedule.    Perfect for: Anyone curious about alternative wellness, natural healing, holistic health, mindfulness, EFT tapping, complementary therapies, or simply wanting to hear real experiences before trying something new.    This isn't about perfection. It's about progress. Not fixing, but flourishing. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 - Why I started this podcast  03:45 - My personal wellness practices  08:30 - EFT: From client to certified practitioner  12:15 - Complementary Medical Association Summit insights  15:20 - Lifespan vs Healthspan: What really matters?  17:45 - My hypnobirthing story (and why it worked!)  21:30 - The reality: Having tools but not always using them  25:00 - Season 3 preview: What's coming  🎧 New episodes every week  💬 Join the conversation using #ExploringWaysToWellness    Next week: Ancient Hawaiian healing practice of Huna with Dr Jane Lewis __________________________________________________________________________________________ Complementary Medical Association Global Summit Speakers: - Jayney Goddard - Founder and President of the CMA Find out more:  @JayneyGoddardCMA - Dr Frank Sabatino: The Power of Complementary Medicine and Personal Choice Find out more:  @nationalhealthassociation - Shola Arewa - Living on Purpose: Reluctant Leader to Conscious Leader Find out more:  @Energy-doctor - Gary Evans and Olga Terebenina: Forest Bathing - Major Advances in Research Find out more:  @theforestbathinginstitute5891 - Dr Rob Verkerk: Healthcare 4.0 - How we get there Find out more from @ANHIntl - Johann Callaghan: Sleep for Success - Optimise Your sleep, Maximise Your Performance. Find out more from  @johann.callaghan   ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Thanks for listening.

    19 min
  8. Season 2 Finale: The Golden Threads

    AUG 27

    Season 2 Finale: The Golden Threads

    Season 2 Finale: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Lives, and the Golden Threads That Connect Us Journey through the transformative patterns that emerged across 10 profound wellness conversations this season. Discover how ancient Ayurvedic principles, Egyptian temple experiences, functional breathwork, and creative practices all reveal the same essential truths about human healing and wellbeing. What You'll Experience: The four major themes connecting every Season 2 conversation - from 5,000-year-old wisdom to modern breathwork scienceWhy practices survived millennia: they address fundamental human needs unchanged by technologyHow your body's innate intelligence guides healing when we learn to listenThe revolutionary role of creative expression in accessing wellness beyond analytical thinkingWhy connection and community are medicine, not just nice additions to individual practiceEpisode Highlights: How ancient wisdom shows up as immediately practical guidance for modern challengesThe body's incredible capacity to heal itself when supported rather than overriddenCreative practices that bypass analytical minds and access healing through expressionWhy Western individualistic wellness approaches miss essential community elementsPersonal reflections on shifting from wellness performance to genuine integrationThe difference between adding more practices versus weaving awareness into existing lifeKey Insights from Season 2 Guests: Kaz's Ayurveda: "Like attracts like, opposites balance" - ancient wisdom for daily applicationBlanka's Egypt transformation: Ancient spaces delivering exactly the messages we needRen's breathwork: 80% of us breathe incorrectly, but our bodies remember natural patternsJulie's aromatherapy: Plants supporting our healing systems rather than overriding themBeau's sport insights: Physical activity as natural emotional regulation and community buildingJo's art practice: Creative flow states as accessible meditation and confidence buildingTimestamps: 00:00 Season 2 journey reflections and perspective shifts 03:00 Ancient wisdom thread - practical guidance from timeless practices 08:00 Body intelligence thread - trusting innate healing capacity 13:00 Creative expression thread - art, laughter, and sensory healing 17:00 Connection as medicine thread - community and relationship in wellness 22:00 Personal integration - from wellness failure to conscious living 26:00 Season 3 preview and community building opportunities Perfect for anyone seeking authentic wellness approaches, feeling overwhelmed by conflicting health advice, curious about integrating ancient wisdom with modern life, or wanting supportive community on their wellness journey. Community & Resources:  Join Wellness Explorers Group for ongoing support and connection: https://www.facebook.com/groups/691446710228203 Newsletter signup for Season 3 updates and wellness extras: https://ewtw.tapintoyou.co.uk/ewtw_newsletter This Season's Integration Invitation: Rather than adding more practices, experiment with bringing greater awareness and presence to activities already in your life. Trust your body's wisdom over external wellness prescriptions. Remember: The most profound healing often emerges through the simplest, most accessible practices when approached with curiosity and community support. Thanks for listening.

    15 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Exploring Ways to Wellness delivers alternative healing and natural wellness solutions through authentic conversations and real experiences. Perfect for curious souls seeking complementary therapies and mindful living beyond mainstream wellness advice. Host Sarah Gorev brings you refreshingly honest chats with practitioners and real people about holistic health approaches that actually work (even for the busiest of lives). From mindfulness to EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), cold water swimming to sound therapy, she's lifting the veil on evidence-based alternative approaches that can be easily incorporated and even enhance your packed schedule. Each episode demystifies holistic practices through genuine, no-pressure conversations about what works (and maybe what doesn't). Ideal for people who are intrigued by alternative wellness and natural healing but want real experiences, not just theory. Instead of 'powering through' and reaching exhaustion and burn-out, Sarah explores how these accessible practices can help you reclaim your energy, process past experiences, and find balance - without requiring endless time or resources. If you're open-minded about exploring holistic wellness solutions but fancy hearing real experiences before diving in, this is your weekly companion for discovering different paths to feeling good again. Join Sarah for down-to-earth conversations about alternative wellness approaches that can transform your daily life - no crystals required (unless you want them!).